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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Might be adopting a cat, first time owner

6 replies

Mushrooom08 · 14/01/2025 21:55

Going to view a cat at the weekend as a first time owner, also have a 5 and half year old DD. Apparently she is a friendly girl and cuddly. Just looking for tips of how to help her settle, best litter to use, anything you think might be useful to know! Thank you

OP posts:
Mushrooom08 · 14/01/2025 21:56

Just to add, she is 3 years old!

OP posts:
Allergictoironing · 15/01/2025 07:27

Ask the rescue what she's currently eating, what litter she's using etc, as changing either suddenly isn't good especially if associated with a move.

Either take with you something that smells of your home, you and/or your DD so the cat can get used to those smells before you collect her, or ask the rescue if they have a blanket or towel etc that she's been using to take with you. The rescue I got mine from has a group of ladies who crochet little blankets for the cats to use for their last few days at the rescue with the specific purpose of them having something familiar to take with them.

If possible, set her up initially with a "base camp" in a quiet area. Leave the carry crate open nearby so she has somewhere to hid & feel safe - you never know whether a cat will hide for days or be exploring the house within minutes!

Don't bother too much with beds, the cat will sleep where it wants. If you want to go to town, a cardboard box with a towel or similar in the bottom is many cats preferred option! Otherwise she will sleep on your bed, under your bed, on your favorite chair, IN DDs bed, back of the sofa, one step below the top stair so you don't see her until you almost tread on her as you come downstairs, right across the doorway of the most used room, on your stack of clean washing, somewhere you can't find at all so you charge round panicking that she's somehow got out only to find her strolling up to you at food time.....

Re toys, very dependant on the cat so ask when you get interviewed by her (note SHE interviews YOU, not the other way round lol), ask the rescue what if anything she plays with now. Within a year you will have an awesome collection of different toys of which she will like about 3 & have rejected the others. Common "hits" are the plastic cat springs, the fishing pole type toys, anything with catnip for adult cats.

A cat tree is a good idea, ideally installed before the cat then sprinkled liberally with catnip and/or treats to encourage her.

And look up Jackson Galaxy on YouTube. He is the ultimate cat guru, and his videos can answer most questions you ask!

Mushrooom08 · 15/01/2025 21:17

@Allergictoironing Thank you, really helpful tips! I will try all of these. Her name is Charlie, which I did want to change but then would she get used to a new name at 3 years old? @Pigeonqueen I will take a look at your thread, thank you x

OP posts:
Springflowersmakeforbetterhours · 15/01/2025 21:21

Our dcat is Harley. Bet you could switch and she would be fine! I remember getting my first dcat when I was about 7...took her home with dm on the bus in my coat! Back in the 70's!! Your dd is very lucky!!

biscuitsandbooks · 16/01/2025 12:17

Honestly, cats will respond to anything - ours are almost never called by their actual names!

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